GARDEN DESIGN
BUXUS BALL ALTERNATIVES
The shape , form and structure provided by topiary balls or rounded mounds are pleasing to the eye providing a rhythm for the visitor and planting .
Buxus balls are the epitome of the backbone plant for many a scheme whether used in a large scale commercial or domestic project . However , in recent years the prevalence of Buxus blight and Box Moth Caterpillar have forced our hand as an industry to come up with suitable viable alternatives to Buxus balls .
There are many options available now and with a little flexible thinking and an acceptance that there will never be a plant as neat , easy to maintain and iconic as the humble Buxus ball , there are plenty to choose from that hit the spot .
Ilex crenata and all the various cultivars are a popular choice with some options lending themselves well to being pruned into a ball shape . Ilex crenata has been said to ‘ not grow old bones ’ but given all the correct soil requirements and aspects that larger Ilex require they will survive happily . An ericaceous soil and pruning back to shape twice a year in the growing season , good old Ilex crenata will fool the eye due to its similarity in looks to Buxus .
New to market in the last couple of years and with a tight dense growth habit is Lonicera nitida Scoop with tiny leaves that take on a handsome red hue in the winter months . Scoop responds well to pruning and unlike most Lonicera nitida types does not send out wayward shoots after pruning . Scoop will not reach large proportions but the autumn and winter leaf colour more than makes up for that minor shortfall .
For something with a little more colour and gloss to the leaf then Pittosporum are worth a nod with Beach Ball , Glo Ball , Golden Ball , Silver Ball alongside Golf Ball for rounded form with variegated foliage for added interest and Pittosporum tobira Nanum for glossy foliage and delicious scented flowers in the summer . Pittosporum do not require any pruning to keep in shape and keep their form well . Pittosporum tobira Nanum can be slightly lazy in habit creating an undulating mound rather than a tight ball but once in flower you can forgive it that .
With a slightly more relaxed attitude to what a topiary ball really constitutes then the options are many , varied and perhaps slightly more interesting in shape , stature and scent .
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